Dealing with a Traumatic Event

Dealing with a traumatic event

Some lone workers do jobs which put them at increased risk of personal harm, making it more likely that they will have to deal with a traumatic event than the rest of the nation’s workforce; whether that’s a heightened risk of assault at the end of a late shift in the retail sector, or a carer that must support a patient prone to violence.

After experiencing a traumatic event, it is normal to feel angry or tearful; some people may feel irritable or numb, or have difficulty sleeping. Many of the feelings a person will experience after trauma are important in helping them to process what has happened.

However, just as some lone workers are more at risk of harm because they must go into potentially difficult situations alone, they are also more likely to suffer ongoing effects and work-related stress afterwards. Lone workers are less likely to have a strong support network of colleagues to help them come to terms with what happened or be able to talk through their feelings with their employer or co-workers.

They may also be expected to go back into similar situations again in the course of their employment and may be worried about sharing their feelings in case it prevents them from doing their job.

23% of employees worldwide have experienced violence or harassment in their workplace.¹

6.3% of workers worldwide have experienced sexual violence and harassment in the workplace.¹

One in seven people don’t feel safe in their workplace.²

¹Gallup, ²Legal Jobs

Recognising PTSD

In some cases, a traumatic event can trigger episodes of anxiety or depression. It may also lead to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). And in cases where PTSD symptoms persist for more than a few days, employees will need extra support to treat and hopefully resolve them.

The symptoms of PTSD include re-experiencing the event, intrusive thoughts and memories, hypervigilance and anxiety, and avoidance - which can unfortunately sometimes lead to lone workers becoming yet more isolated.

It’s therefore important that employers create an environment where employees can talk about their experiences and that they provide appropriate support for lone workers who have experienced a traumatic event. They will also need to work with affected employees to make the reasonable adjustments that will help them to continue in their role. Personal safety devices can provide an extra layer of reassurance as well.

PTSD-UK is a charity that provides some useful information on the role an employer can play. Visit the site here: www.ptsduk.org/friends-and-family/information-for-employers/